Death and the King's Horseman
A Sheffield Theatres and Utopia Theatre Production By Wole Soyinka – Crucible
About
‘Life is honour. It ends when honour ends’
Set in Nigeria in the late 1940’s and based on a true story, Elesin, the king's horseman, is tasked with carrying out a sacred ritual upon the death of the king, however Elesin is overtaken by the allure of earthly desires.
A thought-provoking resonant theatrical experience showcasing music and dance, deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of the Yoruba people.
Directed by Mojisola Kareem(Here’s What She Said to Me, Far Gone).
Selected by The Guardian as a best theatre production coming in 2025.
The company also includes community cast members.
The community cast members include: Emmanuel Adetoye, Bola Akanbi, Annie Anthony Mays, Betty Anyika, Jennifer Edwards, Joanna Graham, Sarafina Maneus, Victoria Marrett, Pauline Naylor, Mumbi Nkonde, Quiana Smith (Nicole), Shami Sochaitwa, Jim Steinke and Jina Wilder.
Credits
Staff
- Writer WOLE SOYINKA
- Director and Executive Producer MOJISOLA KAREEM
- Designer KEVIN JENKINS
- Movement Director JOSEPH TOONGA
- Lighting Designer CASSIE MITCHELL
- Composer and Music Designer JUWON OGUNGBE
- Sound Designer LEE AFFEN
- Assistant Movement Director FAVOUR ODUSOLA
- Supporting Artiste AJIDE ADEYEMI
- Research Consultant LEKAN BALOGUN
- Casting Director ELLIE COLLYER-BRISTOW
- Production Manager LISA HOOD
- Producer (Utopia Theatre) TOM DIXON
Cast
Ajide Adeyemi
Musician
Michael Ahomka-Lindsay
Olunde
Kehinde Bankole
Iyaloja
Nicholas Chambers
Aide-de-camp
Olusegun Lafup Ogundipe
Sergeant Amusa and Musician
Roger May
Resident
Bridget Nkem
Elesin’s Bride
Julius Obende
Joseph and Musician
Oluchi Odii
Girl
Theo Ogundipe
Praise Singer
Wale Ojo
Elesin Oba
Kayefi Osha
Woman
David Partridge
Simon Pilkings
Laura Pyper
Jane Pilkings
Clement Ule
Musician and Ensemble